In an era where complex issues such as climate change and the nitrogen crisis constantly demand attention, effective interaction between science and policy is essential. However, this interaction also presents significant challenges. In his farewell address on November 13, retiring professor of Regional Sustainability Policy Hans Mommaas further explores this issue. After nearly 40 years, he bids farewell to Tilburg University through his address but will remain connected as a Fellow at the Academic Collaborative Center for Governance and Management for Broad Prosperity.
Knowledge and policy
To address societal issues effectively, scientists and policymakers must collaborate. They use data and models to, for example, understand trends in energy consumption or assess how much resource savings can be achieved by 2030 based on selected policies. This happens not only within the Netherlands but also internationally, such as in relation to the Climate Agreement.’In my career as a member of advisory boards, as director of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), and as a scientist, I have worked with both knowledge and policy. These two worlds operate independently but are often closely intertwined. At times, they can even obstruct each other. For example, they may hide behind each other’s roles, there may be insufficient attention to how knowledge influences policy questions, or they may trap each other in established ways of thinking.’
Nitrogen crisis
The nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands is an example of how knowledge and policy can sometimes conflict, according to Mommaas. ’The current policy follows strict nitrogen rules to protect nature, but this approach leads to problems because the calculations suggest more precision in some areas than can actually be achieved. This can lead to ’false certainty,’ to policy that is overly one-sided, and to distrust among stakeholders.’With the rise of social media and greater citizen involvement, the work of experts is also being scrutinized more critically. ’Some believe that models are too complex or that decisions are too ’top-down,’ without allowing citizens to contribute their thoughts. There is also criticism that the models sometimes oversimplify reality.’
Chief Scientist
Instead of only focusing on knowledge outcomes, there must be space for a meaningful conversation about the role of knowledge and the acknowledgment of uncertainties, particularly in policy and politics, argues Mommaas. He advocates for giving the Chief Scientist, a role that many policy-related knowledge organizations already have, a broader mandate. The Chief Scientist could serve as a key professional at the intersection of knowledge, policy, and society. The idea is that Chief Scientists and policymakers would work together to organize a fair and transparent collaboration, so that everyone better understands why certain decisions are made. This role could help ensure a balance between knowledge and policy and prevent policy impasses, such as those in the nitrogen dossier.Hans Mommaas
emeritus professor of Regional Sustainability PolicyHans Mommaas is emeritus professor of Regional Sustainability Policy and a fellow of the Academic Collaborative Center for Governance and Management for Broad Prosperity. He is also chairman of the Dutch Commission for Environmental Impact Assessment and the Ecological Authority. He conducts research on the incorporation of sustainability knowledge in national and regional decision-making processes. From 2015 to 2022, he was director of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL).
